HIGHLIGHTS

JACKSONVILLE, Fla.,Feb. 20, 2018-- Wounded warriors fromJacksonville, Florida, recently gathered at Wounded Warrior Project®(WWP) headquarters to incorporate yoga in their healthy workout routine. Many Americans regularly wish for better sleep and more mobility in their daily lives, but it's especially desirable for wounded veterans who deal with both visible and invisible wounds of war. Yoga has become a popular choice among warriors and their family members to meet health and wellness goals for the new year.

"I've never done yoga before," said U.S. Navy wounded warriorVinnie GodettefromJacksonville, Florida. "It was more intense than I imagined. You're engaging so much of your body without exerting constant force, so it gives me other workout options to mix into my daily routine outside of weights and a treadmill."

FLAGSTAFF, Ariz.,Feb. 17, 2018 -- Veterans gathered to bond and learn adaptive winter sports techniques from experienced instructors at the Arizona Snowbowl. During the two-day-adaptive ski and snowboard experience with Wounded Warrior Project®(WWP), some veterans with injuries opted for adaptive winter equipment, which helped them enjoy the slopes, along with the camaraderie of others.

"I truly believe this event helps me all year," said Marine Corps veteranEfrin Vargas, who also attended last year's Snowbowl event. "I get to clear my mind and be around veterans who understand me. This is truly something I look forward to, and I'm very grateful to be a part of it."

"I always want to challenge myself physically and mentally, despite being 65 years old," said Army veteranTerry Flynn. "I knew this event would provide that challenge, since I have very limited experience with either skiing or snowboarding. Wounded Warrior Project is the only organization I know of that consistently reaches out to support warriors with these kinds of events."

"Ice skating at the rink gave me a chance to spend some time with my family and take part in one of Wounded Warrior Project's amazing programs," said Army veteranTyson Weiss. "Watching my son ride the Zamboni is something I'll never forget, and neither will he."

Activities like ice skating and socializing with other veterans can help injured warriors cope with stress and emotional concerns. In a WWP surveyof the injured warriors it serves, more than half of survey respondents (51.6 percent) expressed they talk with fellow veterans to address their mental health issues, and 30.3 percent indicated physical activity helps.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla.,Feb. 15, 2018 -- Wounded Warrior Project®(WWP) headquarters hosted Soldier Ride®recently, giving warriors from all over the East coast a chance to enjoy three days of adaptive, rehabilitative cycling. For 15 years, this program has traveled the country, connecting groups of local wounded veterans to ride together as units, just like in their military service.

Michael Vouros, a wounded Air Force veteran, had only attended one WWP event before Soldier Ride Jacksonville. Project Odyssey®, an outdoor rehabilitative mental health workshop, changed his world completely.

"I had my doubts at first, with it being my first event with Wounded Warrior Project," Michael said. "Project Odyssey totally exceeded my expectations. The white-water rafting, rock climbing, and ropes course really made me step outside my comfort zone. I had some great talks – a lot of people are in the same boat. You can really connect with people on those terms."

TAMPA, Fla.,Feb. 14, 2018 --Ron Holtonnearly dropped the phone in excitement when he received the big news from Wounded Warrior Project®(WWP) staff.Clinton McDonald, a Tampa Bay Buccaneer defense tackle and longtime supporter of WWP, gave Ron, a Marine Corps veteran, and his wife two tickets to Super Bowl LII. And WWP partner USAA®covered the entire cost of Ron's trip – flights, accommodations, and game tickets.

"Me and my wife were watching football at the time," Ron said. "And when I heard the news, I handed my wife the phone and took off running around the house, yelling in excitement – I couldn't believe it."

For Ron, the game was more than just checking an item off his bucket list – it was a special reminder of the care WWP has provided him during recent challenges and hardships in his life.